Chinese Shipyards Offer Lifeline to Russian LNG Carriers Amid Sanctions

Russia’s LNG shadow fleet is gearing up for the Arctic summer shipping season, with some intriguing developments. Recently, a second sanctioned LNG carrier, now known as Sputnik Energy (previously Pioneer), docked at a shipyard in East China after spending over nine months at sea. It joins another vessel,East Energy (formerly Asya Energy),at the Zhoushan facility.

Satellite imagery and AIS data reveal both ships are currently moored side by side at the Zhoushan Huafeng Shipbuilding Company yard.This location is touted as an excellent spot for ship repairs and modifications due to its easy access to port facilities. However, it remains uncertain how long these vessels will stay there; east Energy has been on-site sence April 9.

Interestingly, another russian LNG carrier named christophe de Margerie spent several months last year undergoing hull repairs and maintenance work at this same yard. the arrival of Sputnik Energy signals ongoing preparations to activate the Arctic LNG shadow fleet soon. Just last month, Russia reflagged four ice-class carriers from its North-series fleet—currently idling in the Barents Sea—indicating they might be ready for action.In a different part of the world,Mulan—a carrier linked to this shadow fleet—recently made headlines by transiting through the Suez canal and red Sea amidst ongoing regional conflicts that have persisted for over two years. After loading cargo from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project in September 2024 and transferring it to FSU Saam in December, Mulan’s current destination remains under wraps as it navigates across the Indian Ocean.

Simultaneously occurring,other vessels associated with this shadow fleet are lingering around Eastern Mediterranean waters and off Russia’s Far east coast—some loaded while others have discharged their cargoes. Kjell Eikland from Eikland Energy notes that these movements appear interconnected: “The carriers now flying Curacao flags are docked in Zhoushan for maintenance related to sanctions violations,” he explains.

As we approach mid-June, melting arctic sea ice could pave the way for renewed shipping activity at Utrenniy terminal—a sign that exports from sanctioned projects like Arctic LNG 2 may resume shortly.Recent satellite images indicate increased moisture levels around the Arctic LNG 2 facility between April and May—a potential indicator of ramping production activity. Gas flaring has also surged recently; snapshots taken on May 4 show heightened operations throughout Terminal 1 and surrounding infrastructure.

Eikland points out that changes in gas flaring patterns could signal stabilization or even an uptick in production levels: “The recent decrease in GBS flaring alongside an increase in main flare burn suggests we might be looking at a significant ramp-up.”

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